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Haematuria · Imphal

Blood in urine:
always get it checked.

Even once, even without pain. Most causes are easily treated — infection, stones or an enlarged prostate — but in adults it can also be the first sign of a bladder or kidney tumour.

● Visible or found on a test ● Same-visit ultrasound ● Flexible cystoscopy in the OPD

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Dr. Nameirakpam ShantajitMBBS (SPMC Bikaner) · MS Surgery & M.Ch Urology (RIMS Imphal) · MMC Reg. No. MNP 150

How blood in urine is checked

Most people need only a few simple tests.

Urine testsRoutine, culture, sometimes cytology

Ultrasound & blood testsSame visit · kidney function

CystoscopyFlexible camera look inside the bladder, in the OPD

CT urographyWhen needed, to check kidneys and ureters

Two Kinds

Visible or found on a test

Visible blood (gross haematuria)Urine looks pink, red, brown or cola-coloured, sometimes with clots. Visible blood — especially without pain — should be checked promptly.

Microscopic bloodUrine looks normal, but a urine test shows red blood cells. It is often found during a routine check-up and also needs evaluation, particularly in adults over 40.

Some things can colour urine red without blood — beetroot, some berries, and certain medicines. Menstrual blood can also mix with a urine sample. A urine test tells the difference.

Possible Causes

What can cause blood in urine

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Urine infection

Often with burning and frequency. UTI guide →

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Kidney or ureteric stones

Often with pain in the side. Kidney stone guide →

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Enlarged prostate

Fragile blood vessels on the prostate can bleed. Prostate guide →

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Bladder or kidney tumours

Painless blood is the commonest early sign. Bladder tumour guide →

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Kidney conditions

Some kidney diseases cause blood with protein in urine; a kidney specialist may also be involved.

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Other causes

Injury, recent procedures or a stent, and sometimes very strenuous exercise.

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Higher risk — don't delay

Age over 40, smoking (now or in the past), and work with chemicals or dyes all increase the chance of a bladder tumour. If any apply, painless blood in urine should be checked without delay.

On blood thinners? They can make bleeding more likely, but they rarely cause it on their own — the urinary tract still needs to be checked. Don't stop them without speaking to your doctor.

Evaluation

Finding the cause, step by step

Urine tests

Routine and culture to look for infection; sometimes cytology to look for abnormal cells.

Ultrasound & bloods

Kidneys and bladder in the same visit, plus kidney function.

Flexible cystoscopy

The most reliable way to look inside the bladder — a few minutes in the OPD with local anaesthetic jelly.

CT urography

When advised, to look closely at the kidneys and ureters.

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Go to the nearest hospital emergency if you have

Unable to pass urine because of clots
Heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting
Blood in urine with fever and chills
Blood in urine after an injury or accident

WhatsApp numbers and the chatbot are not emergency services.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

I saw blood only once and it stopped. Do I still need tests?

Yes. Blood that appears once and stops can still come from a cause that needs treatment, including a bladder tumour. In adults, it should always be checked.

Is blood in urine always cancer?

No. Infection, stones and an enlarged prostate are far more common causes. But because tumours are possible, especially in adults over 40 and in smokers, proper evaluation matters.

I am on blood thinners. Is that the cause?

Blood thinners make bleeding more likely but rarely cause it on their own. The urinary tract should still be checked. Do not stop them without speaking to your doctor.

Does a cystoscopy hurt?

A flexible cystoscopy is done in the OPD with local anaesthetic jelly and takes a few minutes. Most people feel only mild discomfort and some burning afterwards.

Can food or medicines make urine red?

Yes — beetroot, some berries and certain medicines can colour urine red or orange. A urine test shows whether real blood is present.

Do women with blood in urine need tests too?

Yes. Infection is a common cause in women, but if blood persists or there is no infection, further evaluation is needed just as in men.

Book a consultation

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Nameirakpam Shantajit, M.Ch Urology (MMC Reg. No. MNP 150) · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026

Blood in urine:always get it checked.